Kieran Gibbs and Tosin Adarabioyo return to full training for West Brom

Gibbs has missed the last four games with a hip problem while Adarabioyo has sat out both games under caretaker boss James Shan with a hamstring strain.

However, they're both expected to be available for Shan's third game in charge in a weeks' time, a Friday night home fixture against Blues.

Matt Phillips is still a doubt for that game with an ankle tendon problem, and will be assessed next week.

Although Phillips has struggled with injury in 2019, the Baggies as a whole are operating at a 92.7 per cent availability ratio this season, which is pleasing head of science and medicine Andy Leaver.

“We’ve already played as many games so far this season as we did throughout all of last season so to be in a healthy position on the injury front is heartening," said Leaver.

“Kieran and Tosin are now back in training having worked hard over the break as has Matt who continues to make progress as well.

“We’re currently operating at a availability ratio of 92.7 per cent and that is pleasing for the medical team.

"The FIFA benchmark for excellence is at 90 per cent so we will be doing everything we can to maintain these levels over the final phase of the season.

“It’s a testament to the attitude of the players and also the hard work and expertise of the science and the medical team."

Shan will take charge of Albion against Birmingham City next week. If the performance impresses the board, he will stay in place for the rest of the season.

The Baggies promoted Leaver to head up their medical department last summer following the departure of Director of Performance Mark Gillett to Nottingham Forest.

Leaver was Gillett’s understudy, but is now in charge of the department as Head of Sports Science and Medicine.

He joined the Baggies in 2012 after working for 10 years in top-flight rugby with London Irish and Bath. Before that, he worked in West Ham’s academy.